Abstract
The research investigates the character of the heroine of the novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles as an excellent representation of the women in the Victorian Age. It shows the oppressive and unjust social system of the Victorian England and how social class, gender and morality were used to control and punish women. Moreover, the research depicts Tess of the D’Urbervilles as a poor, pure and simple girl who has fallen a victim of the time in which she lives; both men and women treated her unkindly and unfairly. The research also explores Hardy’s attitude towards women and his appeals for social reform.